Pedagogical Effectiveness of the Montessori Method in Developing Vocabulary and Reading Competence in Grade 1 English Learners

In the context of globalization, early foreign language instruction has become a priority in modern education systems. This study explores the pedagogical effectiveness of the Montessori educational approach, developed by Maria Montessori, in teaching English to Grade 1 students. The research focuses on vocabulary development and the formation of reading competence through sensory-based learning, phonemic awareness activities, movement integration, and the use of specially designed didactic materials. An experimental study was conducted among 120 first-grade students from three regions, where Montessori-based instructional strategies were implemented. Comparative analysis of diagnostic and final assessment results revealed significant improvement in students’ active and passive vocabulary, sound-letter recognition, decoding skills, and reading comprehension. The findings confirm that the Montessori method provides a learner-centered, developmentally appropriate, and effective framework for early English language acquisition. The study highlights the importance of integrating Montessori principles into primary English language teaching practice to enhance linguistic outcomes and foster independent learning skills.